New to Canada? Learn about taxes

New to Canada? Learn about taxes

If you’re new to Canada, you may be wondering how to apply for benefits and credits. You may also be unsure about what you have to fill out and send to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) when it comes to income taxes.

All Canadian residents are required to file an income tax and benefit return. As a rule, you are a resident of Canada on the date you arrive and set up ties to Canada. These ties include having a house and or family in Canada.

Why should I file taxes?

Even if you have no income to report, you should file a return every year. When you send in your return, the CRA will review it and let you know if there are credits and benefits that you may be able to get, such as the GST and HST credit. You may also be eligible for other family credits and benefits.

Taxes pay for the services and benefits that all Canadians enjoy like schools, libraries, parks, hospitals, police, ambulance, fire services, roads, and bridges.